The Short Textbook of Medical Microbiology for Nurses Satish Gupte
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SECTION ONE
GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY

Microbiology and Nurse1

In fact medical microbiology discipline forms the foundation for nurses capability to the followings:
  1. Development of infection control program.
  2. Participation in the appropriate application of techniques to reduce or prevent the incidence of hospital infection.
  3. Reduce the opportunity for the development of antibiotic resistance.
The daily problems faced in patient health care and clinical decision made by nurses are quite difficult and require broadest foundation of knowledge possible. In this regard medical microbiology remains a vital part of foundation. Moreover, it is compulsory that nurses have a working knowledge of principles of epidemiology, surveillance and outbreak management of infections to provide ongoing quality care in special situations.
It is important to understand main elements of medical microbiology. The way they can affect the health of a person, the family and community, is vital requisite in blocking the transmission of diseases.
 
INFECTION CONTROL TEAM
The team consists of:
  1. Physician (Infection Control Officer)
  2. Nurse (Infection Control Nurse)
  3. Medical Microbiologist
 
Infection Control Nurse
She supervises the infection control program and provides intermediate care facilities, etc.
 
ROLE OF NURSES IN PREVENTION OF HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTION
Nurses play an important role to prevent hospital acquired infection. In this regard their responsibilities include:
  1. By explaining the importance of hand-washing to patients and all those who come in contact with patients. It really reduces the load of bacteria and thus reducing the chances of transfer of infection from one patient to others.
  2. Isolation of infected patients in private room, e.g. chickenpox, measles, typhoid fever, meningitis, etc.
  3. Considering all blood and body fluids samples as infectious and thus handle them with utmost care.
  4. Handling of blood, fluids, secretions, excretions, etc. using sterilized gloves.
  5. Wearing of mask, gown, eye protecter during any procedure likely to cause splash of body fluids, secretions, etc.
  6. Ensure the single use items proper disposal.
  7. Proper sterilization of reusable items.
  8. Practical knowledge and its application regarding disposal of biomedical wastes infections.
  9. Practically following the policies of infection control committee of the hospital (ICC) regarding use of disinfectants and hygiene practices.
  10. Carefully handling of soiled linen and body fluids. This is done to avoid transmission of microorganisms to other patients and environment.
  11. Must arrange placing of cards on the doors of the patients, mentioning the type of isolation and instructions for visitors and nursing staff.
  12. Making the patients to understand to avoid the over use of antibiotics. This is possible by explaining to them about infection, differences between viruses and disease causing organisms, bad effects of antibiotic over use and body immunity.
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  13. Restricting the entry of number of attendants of patient.
  14. Teaching of infection control isolation, etc. to employees at all levels.
  15. Identification of areas of hospital showing infection risk and act to remove hazards of infections.
  16. Assist in identifying carriers, tracing source of infection and preventing transmission of disease.
  17. Review of microbiological data and note the significant findings.
  18. Maintaining records of all environmental culturing and surveillance.